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  • Revealed: The 5 Most Dangerous Dogs In The World!

    Revealed: The 5 Most Dangerous Dogs In The World!

    Undoubtedly it’s going to be controversial. Without fear of chicken counting, it will receive a lot of traffic. And without any element of doubt, it might cause ripples but it needs to be out there, for the public to know. We’ve decided to publicly name the five MOST dangerous dogs on the planet.

    The Most Dangerous Dogs in the World

    in reverse order:

    5. Badly fed dog.

    Badly fed dog is the animal who’s been fuelled up with a diet fit for an Olympic weight lifter, but who only ever gets to expend about 20% of the calories he takes in. He’s got lots of energy and his mismatched diet can manifest in bouts of sudden energetic rampaging. Badly fed dog would ask you to consider; how you would feel spending your day in an office when every inch of your body is throbbing and twitching as you crave the opportunity to actually use up some of those excess calories. Badly fed dog would be happier and safer if his diet reflected his lifestyle.

    4. Never had any friends dog.

    Otherwise known as ‘totally under socialised dog’.

    He was a little naughty when he was a puppy, so his owner decided he’d be better off being kept away from all other forms of animal life. He now spends his days obsessing over what it would be like to chase other dogs around and, by George, one of these days he’s gonna actually do it!

    Never had any friends dog is going to present his owner with a lifetime of problems, he has no social skills and has never had a chance to learn natural interaction through the teachings of his own kind. He’ll meet new dogs and will be about as socially adept as a 45-year old virgin at a Playboy mansion party. He’s going to blow it. Big time.

    3. Shouty.

    Shouty is the dog who has spent most of his life shouting at folks or being shouted at himself. He sees people on his street, he shouts at them. In turn, his owner shouts at him. Shouty presumes being shouted at is a recognition of his excellent work. In fact, hearing his owner shouting in response to his own shouting encourages his assumption that they’re just as upset, anxious, nervous, angry as HE is about the audacity of other people/dogs/pigeons to walk past his window. Shouty is relentlessly encouraged and endorsed in his shouty behaviour and, a bit like no friends dog, shouty spends his days imaging how good it will be when he FINALLY gets his chance to get face to face with the objects of his ire.

    2. House proud.

    House proud dog is SO touchy about people coming to his digs unannounced, he’ll happily maim you for your insolence in trying to visit his abode without obtaining the correct visitation paperwork.

    House proud dog does a line in dishing out injuries to posties, meter readers and delivery people. Fortunately for house proud dog, his owners absolutely REFUSE to believe he is capable of violence, so leave him completely unattended to dish out his own brand of justice to anyone brash enough to consider entering his domain.

    1. Spoilt dog.

    “That’s mine and these are mine, those are mine, I’m entitled to that, I believe that I saw that first, I lay claim to those, I own all of these, I’m the rightful proprietor of this…”

    Welcome to the world of spoilt dog. Quite simply, he believes everything he wants, he can have. Woe betide anyone to tell him differently. His timid owners have never had the heart to let him know that in the human world, simply showing your teeth and growling doesn’t constitute a legal contract on the ownership of goods. They let him off and, worse, they let him keep his spoils, which he’ll gather up and place in his own corner of the world.

    Sadly, spoilt dog is, one day, going to meet someone who is unaware that he has previously laid claim to every possession on earth. Unfortunately, unlike spoilt dog’s owners, this person is going to have to find out the hard way just how deep spoilt dog’s sense of entitlement runs. Really hard luck if it happens to be a youngster, blissfully ignorant to the fact that the shiny ball on the floor is spoilt dog’s most prized possession (at that VERY moment). A few stitches and a spell in hospital ought to serve as a permanent reminder though.

    I hope you didn’t think this was going to be a list of  ‘dangerous dog breeds’ did you? If you did, sorry to disappoint. There’s dangerous dog owners, not dangerous dog breeds.

    End breed specific legislation now.

  • Do Dogs Get Jealous?

    Do Dogs Get Jealous?

    According to some new research by scientists, they do. Dogs do get jealous? Really?

    Personally, I don’t believe they do and I’ll explain more about that in a moment. But first let us look at the new research done in the name of science.

    The experiment consisted of taking pairs of dogs and getting them to present a paw for a reward. On giving this “handshake” the dogs received a piece of food.

    One of the dogs was then asked to shake hands, but received no food. The other dog continued to get the food when it was asked to perform the task.

    The dog without the reward quickly stopped doing the task, and showed signs of annoyance or stress when its partner was rewarded.

    To make sure that the experiment was really showing the interaction between the dogs rather than just the frustration of not being rewarded, a similar experiment was conducted where the dogs performed the task without the partner. Here they continued to present the paw for much longer.

    Dr Frederike Range from the department of neurobiology and cognition research at the University of Vienna, says this shows that it was the presence of the rewarded partner which was the greater influence on their behaviour.

    “The only difference is one gets food and the other doesn’t, they are responding to being unequally rewarded.” she said.

    The researchers say this kind of behaviour, where one animal gets frustrated with what is happening with another, has only been observed in primates before.

    Studies with various types of monkeys and chimpanzees show they react not only to seeing their partners receiving rewards when they are not, but also to the type of reward.

    The dog study also looked at whether the type of reward made a difference. Dogs were given either bread or sausage, but seemed to react equally to either. Dr Range says this may be because they have been trained.

    “It’s through the fact they have to work for the reward, this confers it with a higher value,” she said.

    Source Here

    Let’s take a look at this in smaller chunks.

    The dog without the reward quickly stopped doing the task, and showed signs of annoyance or stress when its partner was rewarded.

    Well of course. Surely we wouldn’t expect anything different here? The dog wants the food and it sees the other dog with the food and it gravitates toward the treat. This is quite logical, nothing ground breaking yet.

    To make sure that the experiment was really showing the interaction between the dogs rather than just the frustration of not being rewarded, a similar experiment was conducted where the dogs performed the task without the partner. Here they continued to present the paw for much longer.

    Yes, again this surely to be expected? Here we have a dog with no distraction, no food or other dog in the equation and it makes logical sense that most dogs will perform differently in a situation where no distraction – of any kind – is present. This, again, does not prove jealousy as we understand it.

    Dr Frederike Range from the department of neurobiology and cognition research at the University of Vienna, says this shows that it was the presence of the rewarded partner which was the greater influence on their behaviour.

    Now we’re veering in to some strange territory. Let us imagine this experiment but with some different parameters.

    We work with just one dog, no other dog in the area.

    The dog gives its paw. Then a person will come in to the room and puts some food on the floor near to where the other dog would have been positioned positioned.

    Would the dog now be less interested in giving paw and more interested in food?

    In my opinion, yes. Most likely.

    Now repeat the same scenario but don’t have anyone put food down.

    It’s my supposition that the dog would hold paw for longer.

    No other dog present, no jealousy – merely distraction causing reaction.

    The dog study also looked at whether the type of reward made a difference. Dogs were given either bread or sausage, but seemed to react equally to either. Dr Range says this may be because they have been trained.

    Dogs like different foods. And scientists didn’t know this?

    Take my own dog Mia. She loathes banana. My other dog, Chloe, on the other hand loves fruit. So if I’m eating a banana Mia will sit for a while, realise what I’ve got and then go and lie down. Chloe will stay sitting next to me, watching until I’ve finished. I’m not a scientist but I do know this – it’s……wait for it………

    ……because Chloe likes banana and Mia doesn’t!

    Given that Mia is by far the greedier of my two dogs it proves that dogs clearly have different tastes the same as we do, this is – I would guess – pretty universal. Maybe your dog loves a type of food that my dogs don’t. Maybe your dogs go mad for aniseed whereas my dogs love cheese. Just a sec, wait. Not a good comparison – aniseed and cheese are pretty much universal ‘must eats’ on the canine menu (if your dog likes neither, please let me know – in the name of science).

    So, if I set out to train Mia with bananas as my choice of reward for her, I’d achieve less impressive results – quite simply because Mia doesn’t like banana. She places a higher value on food that she likes, similarly toys and similarly different ways of being touched – Mia doesn’t like to be stroked on the head, Chloe will take a good head stroking for several hours. So we’ve still not established jealousy in canines with this research based on the report as presented on the BBC site.

    Studies with various types of monkeys and chimpanzees show they react not only to seeing their partners receiving rewards when they are not, but also to the type of reward.

    OK. Well I’m not a scientist but I do know that monkeys and chimps are NOT dogs. They can and indeed probably do have emotions much more closely aligned to the emotion we recognise in ourselves as jealousy, similarly they have different social structures and are NOT dogs. So the relevance of this is no more apt than saying: “Well humans have jealousy, why can’t dogs?”

    Why do I not believe dogs share the emotion we recognise in ourselves as jealousy?

    If we think about what jealousy is, if we are logical about what we know about this emotion it is incredibly complex and based on a whole level of social elements.

    There are humans who feel jealousy based on widely different factors – is that an innate personality trait in them or is it nurtured? – we don’t really know.

    We have humans within the autistic spectrum who simply do not and can not feel jealous and others within that same spectrum who can be wildly jealous. It’s true that even scientists themselves still haven’t universally agreed a definition for what jealously is! That’s how complex this particular emotion is. What does it take to be jealous? It takes two people very, very different reasons to be jealous, even people within the same family who share almost identical genetics. Yet put two people in a room and mimic the ‘paw test’ and we’d never get close to seeing universal results proving jealous responses in people – we’re too different and jealousy is an emotion that does not run through us all in an identical fashion. So why should it in dogs?

    I absolutely do not doubt for a single, solitary second that they display behaviour which is very easy for us to compare with the emotion of jealousy that we recognise in ourselves. It could be displayed in acts of resource guarding, it could be manifested by dogs who are particularly greedy, territorial, pack motivated, rank motivated – but jealousy it is not. It is quite possible that I want to get my bosses’ job and sit in his chair, in his office and take home his salary but I am not motivated even in the slightest by jealousy, I simply want to do better for myself. Dogs the same. So a dog going to another dog getting rewarded is absolutely not proof positive – in my view – that we’ve cracked the canine jealousy code, we haven’t even cracked ours yet – and we can SPEAK!

    Anthropomorphism is rife. Most of the time it’s harmless but sometimes it’s nothing more than us finding another way to say: “I don’t understand my dog but I’ll bracket a particular behaviour by benchmarking it against my own”. This is, plainly, crazy. And it can lead to problems.

    It will be better for dogs and better for us if we make an effort to better understand them. But always, always, always start that voyage of discovery with one overriding caveat: Dogs are no more human than we are Zebra. They are dogs. They ARE unique and we love them for it. They are masters at making us think what they want us to think. Their understanding of human body language is an art we’re not even close to mastering. Take this example:

    Person comes home. Dog has wrecked the post (again). There it is, all laid out scattered over the floor.

    Owner opens the door.

    “Huuuuhhh!!!! What have you done???”

    “Oh, look at him. Look at that face. Look how guilty he looks.”

    (wait for it)

    “He know what he’s done!”

    Sound familiar?

    Of course he doesn’t ‘know what he’s done’ and he absolutely may ‘look guilty’ but that aint guilt he’s showing, that’s him spotting body langauage and going to fear/survival mode. He’s pretty much saying: “If you want me to look guilty, if that’s the pigeonhole you want to put me in right now, so long as it means I don’t come to any harm, I’ll do a better guilty repertoire than Laurence Olivier if it makes you happy babe!”

    And makes us happy it most certainly does. We might feel guilt for chewing through our family’s latest edition of K9 Magazine (subscribe now) but that’s because we have an understanding of how our actions will have a future negative effect on the mood of our human counterparts. Our dog, however, he was just bored and he wanted something to do. Then we come home and we’re – clearly – pretty mad at him. He’s not feeling guilty, he’s feeling plain old scared. But it makes us happy to think he thinks like us. To quote the chairman of the Kennel Club: “I don’t need no scientists telling me….” that dogs do not, in fact, think like us. They think, surprisingly, like dogs. That’s what makes em’ great!

  • Can Dogs Take Human Painkillers?

    Can Dogs Take Human Painkillers?

    One of the biggest search terms that brings people to this site is ‘can dogs take human painkillers?’. The actual article that this leads people to is a news item about a company that has developed painkillers for dogs. I wanted to put up this post to definitively answer the specific question that (a lot of) people are asking about whether they can actually give their dog human painkillers.

    Can Dogs Have Human Painkillers?

    The short and very important answer ‘can I give my dog human pain killers?’ is a resounding no!

    No, no and thrice no. Don’t do it, don’t consider it.

    It is absolutely horrendous for any dog lover to see their dog suffering with any kind of pain.

    We know and appreciate that dogs can’t talk and can’t be specific with us about where their pain might be or even how bad it is.

    But, we know our dogs and we do know when they’re in pain so – it would seem – often times owners will turn to the Internet and research whether it would be OK to slip them a paracetamol or other human manufactured pain management drug.

    Sadly, dogs have come to serious harm and death as a result of being given medicine that was not developed with their specific needs in mind. And sometimes the suffering resulting from such (an honest) error can be excruciating for the dog and obviously very, very traumatic for the dog’s owner.

    There is – and I appreciate this might be the boring response – only one responsible response to a dog in pain and that is to call in the professionals.

    Dogs in pain should be seen by a vet who will be able to both identify the underlying cause and prescribe the most effective pain management solution.

    The sooner the dog can be seen and treated, the faster the issue can be brought under control.

    So, no matter how tempting it may be – be warned: giving dogs human pain killers can kill them and can actually cause much, much worse suffering for the animal.

    Breakthrough on Painkillers for Dogs

    A pharmaceutical company focused on pet health has announced it is to market the first canine pain management product delivered in a transmucosal mist form. Abbott (NYSE:ABT) announced today they have partnered with Velcera, Inc to bring to market the product – currently in clinical trials – which combines the proven pain medication meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with Velcera’s patented Promist technology, and has been globally licensed for pain management in dogs.

    “Abbott Animal Health is dedicated to bringing high quality and innovative treatments to veterinarians and their clients,” said Lynn Bromstedt, divisional vice president, Abbott Animal Health. “This revolutionary pain management product will be a great addition to Abbott’s existing animal health portfolio and could make medication compliance easier for pet owners.”

    Promist technology delivers the active ingredient through a fine mist to the inside cheek or oral cavity of the animal, where it is quickly absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth. Studies show the product is bioequivalent with oral liquid formulations, and bioavailability can be as much as ten times that of a tablet formulation, depending on the active ingredient.

    In addition to convenience for pet owners, Promist(TM) technology has several other advantages such as increased dosing confidence, faster absorption than delivery with a tablet or liquid and less concern with food interactions.

    “Being able to partner with a trusted company like Abbott on a product of this nature is a testament to the importance of this technology,” said Dennis Steadman, chief executive officer, Velcera. “This agreement will help bring this new treatment method to market for the benefit of pets and pet owners.”

    The product will expand Abbott Animal Health’s core focus areas, which currently include products in the areas of diabetes, anesthesia, wound care and fluid therapy, in addition to a recently announced partnership for one of the first cancer medicines designed specifically for dogs.

    Under the terms of the agreement, both parties have committed to consider future product developments and registrations using the Promist technology.

    The news of advancements in pain management for dogs is one sure to be warmly welcomed by owners. The issue of what pain medicine can be used on dogs is one of the most popular dog related search terms online. Analytic data suggests many dog owners turn to the web first to ask questions such as ‘can I give paracetamol to my dog?’ and other related terms. If you suspect your dog is in pain it is an absolute must to consult with a vet and never, ever attempt to give a dog human painkillers.

  • Can Dogs Be Jealous?

    Can Dogs Be Jealous?

    Great little piece on jealousy in dogscourtesy of our friends at DogTips.co.What do you think: can dogs experience jealousy? Check the article outhttp://www.dogtips.co/do-dogs-get-jealous/

  • How to Stop a Dog Pulling

    How to Stop a Dog Pulling

    Dogs who pull on the leash tend to make walks a real chore for their long suffering owners. Learning to stop and cure a dog from pulling on the leash can make such a positive impact on the relationship between dog and owner as it creates for a more pleasurable dog walking experience.

    This video quickly outlines exercises to get your dog walking on a loose lead by your side. Put very basically FIRST you will teach the dog what you want them to do! And secondly, stop reinforcing them when they pull!

    If you’re looking for a step by step guide on how to stop your dog from pulling on the lead, we recommend this article.

  • Tips On How to Keep Your Dog Busy

    Tips On How to Keep Your Dog Busy

    Keeping Your Dog Busy: How to keep your dog entertained

    Everybody wants their dog to lead a happy, fulfilled life. So here we’ve put together a list of activities that you can engage in with your dog. They’re not only fun, but they also provide a great way to exercise and to preserve your dog’s natural instincts and abilities.Tracking: Tracking is a great way to get your exercise and wear the dog out. It means exactly what it says: The dog follows a track laid down by another person. An article of the owner’s is placed at the end of the track and the dog must find that article by following the track. It is often said that a tracking test builds real character, as the terrain is often difficult and the weather is sometimes completely undependable; since the owner cannot assist the dog in any way, everything seems to be left to nature and the dog! Training this exercise is more time-consuming than difficult, and it requires a great deal of patience.

    Several different tests are available from different associations, with different degrees of difficulty. Basic tests cover short tracks that have only a few turns and a short lag time between laying and running. More difficult tests include more turns, cross tracks, and several items left on the track to be found, with a longer lag time between laying the track and running it.

    Weight Pulling: Weight pulling has long been a favorite sport for the Alaskan Malamute and Samoyed breeds, but in the past few years this competition has spread to many other breeds, including, of all things, the desert-dwelling Basenji. Pulling divisions are divided by weight and experience. Dogs are put in harness and must pull a sledge loaded with varying amounts of weight for varying distances in order to earn their points.

    Herding: Herding competition has long been recognized in European countries and has been found in many forms in the United States. Many communities have stock dog fancier clubs or associations. Several breed clubs have initiated herding instinct tests, and the AKC has just initiated a Herding Instinct Test. These beginner levels allow you to assess any possible herding instincts in your dog and allow you to see if that type of competition would be of interest to you.

    “Real” herding, which consist of gathering, driving and penning, as performed by the working stock dogs, is an event that will catch your heart. To see these intent animals working stock at great distances all on their own is truly an amazing sight.

    Sled Racing: Sled racing can be anything from a friendly competition between two men and their dogs to a competition as strenuous as the thousand-mile Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race. Here again, the dog’s natural talents are emphasized. While Arctic breeds are most visible, many other breeds (including Poodles and Irish Setters) or mixed breeds can be very competitive.

    Lure Coursing: Lure coursing is somewhat akin to Greyhound racing but is held in fields with twisting courses over uneven ground. Lure coursing is designed to test a dog’s agility, as well as his speed, endurance and prey instinct. The dogs are taught to chase a lure, which is really a plastic bag, and their enthusiasm for the chase is an unforgettable sight. For more information on this sport, contact the American Sight-hound Field Association.

    Therapy Dogs: Therapy dogs are increasing in number by the day. Hospice services, Nursing and convalescent homes, centers for gifted children and even hospitals are opening their doors to visits by therapy dogs. These dogs can be of any age or breed (some organisations request only registered therapy dogs; others welcome any well-behaved and loving pet) and you and your dog may be able to volunteer your services (Google ‘pets as therapy dogs’ to see what’s on offer!)

    Visits with a therapy dog may be just the thing that will bring relief or happiness to an otherwise ill or hard-to-reach person, and your joy at seeing your dog relate to these people is more than worth every minute of your time.

  • Lungworms and Your Dog

    Lungworms and Your Dog

    Young dogs and those that are not wormed regularly are significantly more likely to be infected with the life-threatening, parasitic lungworm, Angiostrongylus vasorum, according to new research from the University of Bristol. Lungworm is now widespread throughout southern Britain, with reports of cases further north.

    [sws_toggle1 title=”Important: Worms Can Kill (Click to Open)”] [This is a sponsored message from DogWorms.co.uk] — There are several variations of the Lungworm parasite, and the majority are found in warmer climates, and are not found in dogs. Different types of the parasite have often been found in farm animals like cattle, and some strains can affect our cats, although this is not common, and those parasites cannot be passed to dogs.

    http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/4563823715_b697b49630.jpg

    But one parasite does affect our dogs, and it’s this one that’s causing all the concern.

    The parasite cannot be passed to humans or to other pets in the house, but the spokesman for Bayer Animal health explains: “The lungworm Angiostrongylus Vasorum is a potentially lethal parasite that can infect dogs. It’s sometimes referred to as the French Heartworm, and left untreated this parasite represents a very serious risk to a dog’s health and can kill.”

    He continues: “Dogs become infected with the lungworm through eating slugs and snails which carry the larvae of the parasite Angiostrongylus Vasorum. Most dogs do not habitually eat these garden intruders, they may do so by accident – e.g. when a slug or snail is sitting on a bone or a favourite toy, or when drinking from a puddle or outdoor water bowl. But some dogs do take great pleasure in eating these miniature ‘treats’, and should be considered at risk from infection.”

    To find out more about how to protect your dog from lungworm and other potentially fatal canine worms – visit the Dog Worms website.[/sws_toggle1]

    Veterinarians are advised to be vigilant for lungworm-associated disease. In the first study of its kind in Great Britain, scientists in Bristol’s School of Biological Sciences tested the faeces of almost 900 dogs for lungworm to look for factors which may increase a dog’s risk of infection and to identify signs of infection.

    Lungworm was found to be a common cause of disease in Southwest England and Wales – 16 per cent of dogs presenting symptoms tested positive for lungworm, as well as 2 per cent of seemingly healthy dogs. However, this is likely to be an underestimate. Dogs under 18 months were found to be 8 times more likely to have lungworm than dogs over 8 years old, and dogs between 18 months and 8 years old were 4 times more likely to have lungworm than dogs over 8 years old.

    Dogs tested positive for lungworm year-round but there was an increase in numbers diagnosed during the winter and spring. Infected dogs may display a wide range of symptoms and diagnosis is challenging. While over half of infected dogs were reported to be coughing or having difficulty breathing, lungworm infection is not always associated with respiratory signs. Infected dogs may present any combination of a wide range of symptoms including lethargy, tiring easily with exercise, and gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhoea.

    A significant number of infected dogs displayed signs of bleeding disorders such as excessive bleeding from small wounds or following surgery, blood in the urine and vomit, pale skin and bleeding in the eyes and skin. Dr Eric Morgan who led the research, said:

    “This parasite can cause serious disease and is spreading, reaching many new areas (including Bristol and Scotland) in the last few years. Disease can present in a variety of ways, not necessarily involving respiratory signs, so pet owners and their vets should be aware of the risk.

    Disease is most common in younger dogs, though age is not a barrier to infection. On the bright side, dogs that are treated regularly with appropriate wormers are at lower risk, so we can act to protect our pets’ health.”

  • Dog Owners Beware: This Water Kills Dogs

    Dog owners are warned to steer well clear of stagnant ponds* when catching some late summer sun with their pet. According to a leading veterinary charity, this is ideal weather for highly toxic ‘blue-green algae’** to bloom. This can kill if dogs drink contaminated water or swim in it and then groom themselves.

    Senior Veterinary Surgeon at PDSA, Elaine Pendlebury, said: “Toxins produced by, or contained within, some types of algae are extremely poisonous and death is common and rapid – symptoms occur within 15 minutes to one hour of exposure. Death can happen within 10 to 30 minutes of this and usually within 24 hours of swallowing the toxin.”

    Algae can be more concentrated at water edges and even small amounts of water can contain lethal doses. In some instances, dogs have been found dead at the edge of the water.

    The first signs of a problem include severe vomiting which may contain blood which then can lead to more serious symptoms. With the more toxic algae, breathing difficulties, collapse and death can develop within 15 minutes of exposure to the toxin. Although affected dogs can survive if treated quickly, clinical effects may show over a longer period of time and they may develop kidney or liver failure.

    Elaine concludes: “Blue-green algae is particularly prevalent at this time of year, especially with this late summer sun we are currently enjoying. So we want dog owners to be aware of just how dangerous it can be. Dogs are particularly at risk when they drink from watering holes like ponds where the algae has spread rapidly, usually when it is sunny and the water has a high temperature.”

    * Owners should beware of any stagnant pools. Algae can live on the surface or the bottom of the water, so the pond won’t always have a scum on the surface.

    ** Though known as blue-green algae, it can vary in colour – some are red and some are black as well as blue-green.

  • Physiotherapy For Dogs

    Dogs are like people in so many ways, so when your pet has an injury, undergoes surgery or is getting on in years and suffers from arthritis, it is only right that a professional, highly qualified Chartered Physiotherapy service is available to them.

    The aim of an animal physiotherapist is to restore and maintain the mobility, function, independence and performance of your dog throughout any stage of his life, Rebecca Heald.

    Dogs, like ourselves develop similar diseases affecting their mobility and quality of life such as arthritis, often causing stiffness and a reduced ability to exercise. Dogs, like footballers, can also suffer cruciate ligament injuries from chasing a ball! They often require surgery to treat this and many other conditions affecting their bones, ligaments, muscles or tendons.

    Dogs commonly need surgery or visit the vets after an injury, and whilst veterinary surgeons operate on these conditions or manage the dog with rest and medication, the next step to a complete recovery is utilising specific expert knowledge and the specialised skills of a veterinary / animal physiotherapist, who is a Category A member of ACPAT.

    Why Is Physiotherapy For Dogs Important?

    Dog physiotherapy is vital to relieve pain and discomfort, and to build up strength and flexibility in order to regain normal movement and function to enable the dog to return to a happy, healthy lifestyle. Often you wouldn’t know if you pet had sore or tight muscles, or was suffering from weakness or a sprain in their muscles, tendons or ligaments. Physiotherapists are experts in hands on therapy and have gained years of knowledge and experience working with people, so they can tell what the problem is with your pet and what treatments and exercises are going to help.

    How do human physiotherapists become animal physiotherapists and how are they regulated?

    The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy,(ACPAT) is a clinical interest group of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). All ACPAT’s practising Category A members have a degree in human physiotherapy and are members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), the professional body. They must have a minimum of two years human experience before they are eligible to train as an animal or veterinary physiotherapist via a recognised ACPAT upgrading route.

    Therefore it takes at least seven years to become a Category A member. Human physiotherapists are regulated by the Health Professions Council (HPC) and they protect the titles ‘physical therapist’ and ‘physiotherapist’. Unfortunately they do not recognise animals and therefore the titles ‘animal/veterinary physiotherapist’ and ‘animal/veterinary physical therapist’ are not protected. ACPAT members are regulated by the CSP. All our Category A members abide by the Veterinary Surgeons Act and will not see an animal unless they have been referred by a veterinary surgeon, they also have full public and professional liability insurance.

    What happens during my dog’s physiotherapy session?

    We perform a detailed assessment of your dog’s health, physical problems and lifestyle through questions, observation and then a specific hands on assessment. A specific treatment programme is designed and discussed with the owner. The first appointment often lasts an hour, with subsequent sessions taking up to 45 minutes. We often run clinics from purpose built treatment rooms or therapy centres, veterinary premises or we come to your home, dependent on your dog;s needs.

    Will I be given advice on helping my pet at home?

    We always provide dog owners with useful advice and teach many techniques to carry out at home to improve their pet’s recovery. There are also many precautions owners need to be aware of within the home after surgery or injury. Care on using the stairs, avoiding slips on laminate or wooden floors, assisting your dog in and out of the car, and ensuring they are safe and comfortable within their home is important and will be advised on, as dogs need a period of rest and recuperation in order to make the best recovery possible.

    Is physiotherapy for animals similar to physiotherapy for people?

    All the techniques used are similar to those used for people, but adapted with a sound background in animal anatomy and biomechanics and related to the animal’s condition. However I always stress that physiotherapy for animals should never be painful or cause distress, it should always be a pleasant experience. A lot of the dogs I treat often fall asleep they are so relaxed.

    What treatment techniques may be used?

    Treatments such as massage, soft tissue techniques, joint mobilisations and the use of heat and gentle stretches are implemented to aid circulation, healing and movement. Also, electrotherapy techniques such as therapeutic ultrasound, muscle stimulation and magnetic therapy are used to promote tissue healing and speed the recovery process.

    How will my dog build up his fitness again?

    Dogs also need to do specific exercises like people would to build up their strength, and improve their balance and co-ordination. Although they can’t go to a gym like we would, there are many exercises for dogs which owners can easily do at home or incorporate into their walks. Strengthening and balance exercises include slow walking up slopes and hills, doing circles and figures of eight, sit to stand exercises and many more all dependent on what injury, surgery or condition your dog has. It is important that the exercises are as enjoyable as possible for the dog, and that they are rewarded for doing them.

    Can I still take my dog for walks after his surgery or injury?

    I give owners a lot of advice on returning to walks, such as how far to go and how to build that up, also the best surfaces to walk on and how often their dog should be exercised during their rehabilitation in collaboration with their vet’s recommendations.

    My dog is very old, will he still be able to do a rehabilitation programme?

    Like people, no two dogs are the same, so each physiotherapy treatment plan and home rehabilitation programme is different and specific to each individual dog. It is important to take into account each dog’s age, breed, previous lifestyle, fitness and general daily routine, as well as that of the owners.

    When is the best time for my dog to start physiotherapy treatment?

    Physiotherapy is often best when started soon after injury or surgery, but it can make a huge difference to your pet’s physical health and quality of life at any stage during recovery, or at any age. The majority of pet insurance companies will cover the cost of physiotherapy treatment.

    What canine conditions benefit from having physiotherapy?

    Arthritis

    Degenerative joint disease

    Age related discomfort

    Lameness

    Muscle sprains/strains

    Surgery, or management of;

    Cruciate ligament injury

    Hip dysplasia

    Triple pelvic osteotomy or joint replacements

    Femoral head and neck excision

    Patella stabilisation

    Fracture repair

    Elbow dysplasia

    Neurological conditions such as;

    Spinal surgery

    Nerve injuries

    Chronic degenerative mylopathy (common in German Shepherd dogs)

    How do I find my local animal/veterinary physiotherapist?

    To find a local ACPAT Category A member or for further information visit www.acpat.org.

    Having grown up with a household menagerie I always wanted to work with animals. I qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2005 with a post graduate diploma in veterinary physiotherapy and since then have been specialising my work in the treatment of dogs, which is a dream job for me. I also continue some part-time work for the NHS. I work closely with a number of veterinary practices, and often provide in-house veterinary physiotherapy for dogs who have undergone more specialised surgery in which they require a period of veterinary care. I am based in Darlington, County Durham but am happy to treat animals within the North East of England and throughout North, East and West Yorkshire. I also enjoy getting involved in teaching both veterinary nurses and students about physiotherapy, and provide colleges running equine and animal management courses with lectures, demonstrations and careers information.

    Please do contact me if you would like to find out more about veterinary physiotherapy, or feel your pet would benefit from treatment. I can be contacted via my website www.healdvetphysio.com

  • Can Dogs Get Hayfever?

    Can Dogs Get Hayfever?

    The emergence of Spring into Summer, with flowers, tree blossom, green shoots and singing birds will I’m sure uplift the spirit and bring joy to all. However, for some it also brings familiar symptoms of sneezes, itchy eyes and a runny nose. Do our dogs suffer with the same discomfort and what are the signs and symptoms?

    Like us humans, hay fever (inhalant dermatitis) is common in dogs, and unfortunately there is little we can do to combat it. It occurs in about 10 percent of dogs and is present in both pedigrees and cross-breeds.

    However, hay fever is even greater in pedigree dogs since allergies can be sometimes passed down as an inherited trait.  Certain breeds like Irish Setters, Poodles, Schnauzers, Dalmatians and many breeds of Terrier are the more common breeds to suffer.

    Question: Can Dogs Get Hayfever Like People Do?

    Like people, dogs are often allergic to pollen, dust and airborne moulds. However, the biggest difference is that humans will often get runny eyes and cough and sneeze, while a dog will suffer the same and become itchy all over. This is because the histamines released by the body in response to pollen in animals are mostly released in the skin rather than in the nose and eyes.

    Itching & Hayfever in Dogs

    You may notice your dog itching and scratching more than usual. This is due to the irritable particles in the air. This itching is usually concentrated in the ears, feet, groin, and armpits, though it can be spread across the entire body. Your dog may then develop a rash or ‘hotspots’ in certain areas.

    Other Symptoms

    Dogs with hay fever may also experience a runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes – symptoms we are all too familiar with.

    What Can We Do To Stop Hay Fever In Our Dogs?

    Here are some top tips for reducing hay fever in your dog…

    • No not walk your dog in long, tall grasses.
    • Do not allow your dog free roam of the garden; sniffing in flower beds and rolling on the grass will not help your dog’s allergy. Keep them in a patio or fenced off area away from anything that may produce pollen.
    • If your dog has a long coat, make sure you keep it clipped during the summer months. This will stop pollen becoming trapped in the long hairs.
    • Once your dog returns from a walk or playing in the garden; give them a good brush to remove some of the pollen particles. A damp towel will also remove some of the particles trapped in their coat.
    • Give your dog regular flea treatment. Fleas are also more common during the summer months and are one less thing your dog will want hiding in their coat.
    • Give your dog cool and gentle baths to soothe the skin.

    If your dog is still suffering with symptoms it will be advised to take them to the vet so that they can view the extent of the problems. The most common medications given by vets are anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids and antihistamines. Your vet can best determine what combination and dosage should be used.

    You could also try medicated shampoos that are soothing and can provide temporary relief to inflamed skin.

  • UK Pet Owner Statistics

    Another day, another survey on pet ownership data and pet owner trends.

    Not many months ago we revealed the results of a pet owner study conducted by the Blue Cross which revealed Wales was the dog ownership capital of the UK and the East Midlands were the most miserly spenders on their pets.

    Today a new study suggests Wales has the least pet owners per head and the East Midlands has the most.

    Research from National Pet Month shows how our nation’s love for pets is stronger than ever due to companionship needs, security or just simply for more family fun. There are 27 million pets in the country and 43% of households contain at least one furry, feathery or scaly family friend, making pets well and truly part of the UK’s landscape.

    Leading industry expert, the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) carried out the research on behalf of National Pet Month, which celebrates Great British Pets and runs from 5th April to 5th May. It has provided an insight into the pet purchasing trends in the UK outlined as follows; (more…)

  • How to Stop Puppy Chewing Wires

    How to Stop Puppy Chewing Wires

    Protecting computer, appliance, home entertainment and other cables and wires around the home from your dog or cat and, in doing so, keeping your four-legged friend out of harm’s way, is critical.

    Stop Your Puppy Chewing Cables and Wires

    – There are numerous products on the market today for covering household
    wires to keep your pet – and even small children – from chewing on
    them. An extremely inexpensive and convenient product to protect your
    wires is the split wire loom – flexible and durable plastic tubing
    with a slit down the side allowing for easy insertion of a cable
    bundle.

    – You can also cover any wires that are accessible to your small pet
    with spiral cable wrap – plastic wrap that keeps wires tightly bundled
    and also protects them from being chewed on by pets. Spiral cable wrap
    is also available in many colors to match a room’s decor.

    – For hiding excess cord length coming from your phone, computer mouse,
    or even window blinds, try the Cable Turtle. This nifty gadget
    protects wires from your cat or dog by letting you tuck the wires away
    neatly in a shell. The product is available in different sizes and
    various colors to match your decor.

    – If you have no other choice but to run a wire across an open floor,
    cord covers will allow you to easily hide and protect the cables from
    your cat, dog and other passers by. These covers will not only keep
    your pet from chewing on your wires, but will also keep your floors
    safe and clear from tripping and tangling hazards.

    – Keep cables off the floor and out of reach with adhesive-backed cord
    clips, which attach wires to furniture or wall surfaces. These cord
    clips are available in different sizes, and are ideal for phone cords,
    lamp cords, and even some computer cords.

    – Hide wires in your home office with a concealed surge protector, which
    encloses plugs and excess cord length to keep them from becoming a
    distraction to your pets. These safety-minded surge protectors not
    only keep your computer and phone wires out of sight, but also provide
    protection in case of a power surge or lightning strike.

    Puppy Safety Tips

    K9 Magazine’s Guide to Puppy Proofing Your Home

    If you have an adorable little puppy running around the house, the last thing you want to see is an accident where the little guy gets cut, poisoned, or stepped on.  However, accidents do happen and you should be prepared.  Better yet, it is best if you practice safety prevention rather than waiting for something bad to happen to your puppy.

    All it takes is just one little circumstance to go unnoticed which can cause a great deal of pain to your puppy. These little animals have an insatiable appetite when it comes to curiosity.  Everything they see and smell looks like a great adventure and from their point of view, it’s all open territory. They see no danger and instead move forward to check things out.  This is why you want to take the following safety prevention measures so that you can somewhat “puppy-proof” your house.

    1. The first thing you should do is look around every room of your home and try to dispose of small items that your puppy may swallow.  Puppies tend to try to swallow anything that they can get a hold of.

    Unfortunately, not all small items will safely pass through the dog’s intestines which can prove to be fatal.  Other times, your puppy’s system will try to gag and cough up the object which can go on for a long period of time.  If your dog does not get the object out then the intestine becomes blocked and can rupture.

    2. The second important home safety precaution to take is to hide or elevate your electrical cords and wires.  Every home has wires and cords that must be in each room, but if left hanging there, dangling like a treat, your puppy is guaranteed to be tempted to play with it.

    If he chews on these electrical items, your puppy is going to get hurt.  The damage caused by gnawing through to the inside wiring of these cords can cause a mild shock or worse, third-degree burns. And in many cases, the electrocution can be so severe that it may cause your puppy to die from the shock. It is best to elevate all of the wiring that you can and use heavy-duty tape to cover up the other cords that have to be on and around the floor area

    3. Last but not least, keep your home free from dangerous poisons and toxins that your puppy can ingest.  Remember, our pets use their mouth’s for virtually all investigations and because they are extremely curious, toxic items can be easily ingested with one lick. Such household poisons can include anti-freeze, rat poison, garbage, lead, and even chocolate.

    Puppy chewing wires

  • Most Unhealthy Dog Breeds

    Most Unhealthy Dog Breeds

    According to a survey carried out by a UK leading pet insurance firm, these are the 10 breeds of dogs who cost their owners the most money in vet fees.

    But let us not forget, there are lies, damn lies and pet insurance surveys!

    Great Danes: The 2nd Most ‘Unhealthy’ Dog Breed?

    What this could actually show is, the owners of these breeds of dogs are more likely to have pet insurance. Or the owners of these dogs are more prone to taking their dogs to the vets. Or, it could be, that these 10 breeds are indeed more liable to incurring higher veterinary expenses for their owners. Take it however which way you please:

    DOG BREEDS Lifespan per breed (Years) Cost of vet bills in the last year Cost of vet bills in a lifespan
    1 English Setter 11.2 �621 �6,955
    2 Great Dane 8.5 �780 �6,630
    3 Poodle 12 �544 �6,528
    4 Rottweiler 9.8 �532 �5,214
    5 Doberman Pinscher 9.8 �481 �4,714
    6 Pointer 13.5 �335 �4,523
    7 Greyhound 13.2 �314 �4,145
    8 Chihuahua 13 �310 �4,030
    9 Beagle 13.3 �302 �4,017
    10 Saint Bernard 8 �492 �3,936

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    Vets Now, the emergency vets with 34 clinics across the UK is urging dog owners to be mindful of the dangers of chocolate with Easter just around the corner.

    Easter is synonymous with large amounts of chocolate, nicely wrapped up in the shiny, foil covered eggs, making it attractive not only to us humans, but also to dogs, and tempting though it is to share a little bit of chocolate with your pooch, even just a small piece of chocolate can be enough to kill a dog. (more…)

  • 5 Exceptional Dog Training Tips

    It's often hard to circumnavigate the world wide web of knowledge and pinpoint the exact information you need, right when you need it.

    That's why we thought we'd be nice and put up what we think are 5 exceptionally useful dog training articles dealing in 5 topics that we know – for sure – lots of people are regularly hunting for information on.

    5 Dog Training Resources: